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Fi n ish Lin e (conti nued) AN ABRAlON PAD IS THE HEART OF TH IS FRENCH POLISH Move the pad In long strokes. When the pad has first been loaded, move it in long strokes with the grain, gliding over the surface to deposit a light coat. Don't worry about overlapping already wet areas. Prepare the Abra/on pad. A polishing pad consists of a 4,000-grit disc backed by a foam pad, attached to a hook-and-Ioop handsanding block. The pad is loaded with shellac, alcohol and mineral spirits. spoon of shellac. Apply a few drops of mineral oil and test the wetness of the pad by gently striking it on another surface. This pouncing integrates the polish and alcohol and removes the excess liquid, leaving the foam wet but not sloppy. There is no need to wait for the oil to dry before polishing with the shellac/alcohol mix. Begin by gliding the charged pad over one section of the workpiece, moving back and forth in long strokes. Without stopping, change to a circular motion and bear down on the pad using both of your hands and your body weight. It's easier to do this on a bench that is at or below waist level. When the pad begins to dry, recharge it and continue the process until the entire piece has been worked this way. Up to four coats of finish may be ap- plied per day. But as the finish builds, the pad will have a tendency to stick. To keep it moving smoothly, increase the amount of oil used with each recharge. If the pad continues to stick, stop working for about an hour or so. If you end up with a major stick or streak that mars the finish, allow the piece to dry. Then sand the problem area level with a block and 600-grit wetor-dry paper, lubricated with two parts mineral spirits and one part paraffin (lamp) oil. Remove the oil with naphtha 114 FINE WOODWORKI NG Switch to a circular rubbing pattern. As the liquid in the pad is used up, more muscle is required to move the pad. The pad will begin to burnish the surface, which develops the level of sheen or polish. before adding more polish. The pad and hand block may be stored in an airtight container overnight. Stored this way, one pad will finish an average-sized occasional table. The number of coats applied is a matter of preference. When you feel the finish has enough depth, proceed to the last step, which burnishes the surface. Recharge the pad and increase the amount of alcohol in proportion to the other ingredients. This rubbing method will probably cause shortness of breath and a sore arm and shoulder. Then you know you are doing it right because it is this friction that is doing the polishing. The time to stop rubbing is when the desired gloss has been achieved. Obstructed areas that cannot accommo- date a big pad, such as a tabletop with a piecrust molding, need a custom-made pad. Small pieces of wood, shaped to the relevant pattern, are set up with hookand-loop fabric and pieces of the interface and Abralon. The strokes and circular rubbing are reduced in size according to the area being polished. If things go wrong. The pad may stick to the surface if too many layers of finish have been applied too quickly and if there is not enough oil in the pad. Repair the surface by sanding with 600grit wet-or-dry paper lubricated with mineral spirits and paraffin oil. If the final sheen is too glossy, rub it out with 0000 steel wool and Wool Lube or wax. A light waxing can be applied at the very end. Abralon is available from Mirka Abrasives Inc. (800-843-3904) and Woodworker's Supply Inc. (800-645-9292). 0